The New York Knicks are moving forward with plans to sign second-round pick Mohamed Diawara to a standard rookie contract, according to Ian Begley of SNY.
Diawara, selected with the No. 51 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, had initially been expected to join the team on a two-way deal. The front office now appears set to commit a full roster spot to the 20-year-old forward as training camp approaches.
The French prospect showed promise during the 2025 Summer League, averaging 7.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game in 22.3 minutes. His defensive versatility and rebounding drew positive reviews, even though his outside shooting remains a work in progress.
At the club level, Diawara most recently played for Cholet Basket, where he logged 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds across 27 appearances in France’s top division. His role expanded in the postseason, producing 10.5 points per contest.
Begley noted that the Knicks’ cap sheet leaves them with room to add Diawara on a rookie minimum contract while still maintaining flexibility for a veteran signing. New York has hosted workouts for several free agents, including center Thomas Bryant, who impressed during open gym sessions.
The Knicks will still need to make decisions regarding other roster moves. Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet have been recently added. Guard Miles McBride and forward Pacôme Dadiet were identified as potential trade candidates, though Begley reported the organization values McBride highly and has resisted moving him in the past.
Diawara brings international experience as well. He played for Paris Basketball and Poitiers Basket 86 before joining Cholet, and he earned MVP honors at the 2022 Basketball Without Borders Europe camp. He also helped France capture a gold medal at the 2024 FIBA U20 EuroBasket, showcasing his defensive presence and motor.
The Knicks, under new head coach Mike Brown, enter the 2025–26 season with a revamped roster highlighted by Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges. The addition of Diawara gives New York another young piece with long-term upside.
